Although the look of Arizona&rsquo;s 6th district is likely to change next year as the East Valley continues to boom in population, Republicans expect to have an edge in the open-seat race for Rep. Jeff Flake&rsquo;s seat.

The Republican announced two weeks ago that he is running for the seat being vacated by Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R), and a handful of Republicans are in turn expected to run for Flake&rsquo;s seat. Former state Senate Majority Leader Chuck Gray is already in the race.

Gray told Roll Call in a recent interview that he was already looking into running for the state&rsquo;s new 9th district, which it will gain in reapportionment, when the 6th district opened up.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m expecting others will jump into the race,&rdquo; Gray said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m also expecting that they will think twice about running against me.&rdquo;

Both state Senate President Russell Pearce (R) and state Speaker Kirk Adams (R) are believed to be looking into it.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m seriously considering a run there. I&rsquo;ve been surprised by the amount of support I&rsquo;ve received,&rdquo; Adams told Roll Call recently. &ldquo;My phone almost exploded at Kyl&rsquo;s announcement. I&rsquo;m being encouraged by many people to get in this race. But this is not something you do lightly.&rdquo;